ASUP Shelves Strike Threat as FG Moves to Address Demands

By Hannah Williams

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has suspended preparations for its proposed nationwide strike following what it described as encouraging responses from the Federal Government to its long-standing demands.

ASUP President, Comrade Shammah Kpanja, announced the decision on Sunday in Abuja after a review of government actions since the union’s 21-day ultimatum issued on August 15, 2025.

In a communiqué released after its 115th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on October 9, 2025, the union cited “measurable progress” in key areas, including the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) on the Peculiar Academic Allowance, advancement in the 2025 NEEDS Assessment Intervention for Polytechnics, and the resumption of the Polytechnics Implementation Monitoring Committee (PIMC).

Other positive steps, according to the communiqué, include the reconstitution of the Federal Government Renegotiation Committee to accommodate the Polytechnic sector and actions taken to resolve leadership issues at Federal Polytechnics Nekede and Ekowe.

The NEC also noted ongoing government efforts toward releasing arrears of the 25%/35% salary adjustment across tertiary institutions, payment of promotion arrears owed to Polytechnic staff, and restoration of the governing board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“In view of the progress recorded and the commitment shown by the Minister of Education and his team, the Union’s NEC resolved to put on hold its proposed strike action to allow more time for effective resolution of the issues,” the communiqué stated.

However, ASUP emphasized that several unresolved matters remain, including the conclusion of the ASUP/FGN renegotiation process, review of the outsourcing policy affecting NBTE’s quality assurance functions, and restoration of the ASUP/FME Rapid Response Committee to address matters such as CONTISS 15 migration arrears.

The union said it will reassess the situation within six weeks and commended the Ministers of Education and State for Education for their engagement and commitment to the dialogue process.